Even with Burrow sidelined, the Bengals’ offense remained among the league’s best, largely thanks to veteran backup Joe Flacco stepping in. By contrast, the defense faltered, and Hendrickson’s absence on the edge only amplified the unit’s woes as the team eyes a difficult rebuild on that side of the ball.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has suggested the Bengals’ relationship with Hendrickson may have run its course, making a re-sign unlikely and the franchise tag a mild surprise if considered. If Hendrickson moves on, the Bengals could pursue a compensatory pick, with a third-round selection a plausible outcome depending on the new contract signed elsewhere.
The Bengals hold the No. 10 overall pick in this draft, and the conversation around a top edge defender centers on Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. Bain posted 9.5 sacks in the 2025 college season, but questions about his size and arm length have kept him off traditional draft boards. CBS analyst Mike Renner has floated Bain as a potential Jets target at No. 2 overall, not Cincinnati, citing Bain’s unconventional frame despite elite production.
If Bain were to slide to Cincinnati, SI’s James Rapien suggested the pick would become a no-brainer for the Bengals. However, with a number of teams reportedly valuing Bain’s tape and traits, a fall to the No. 10 spot appears unlikely, limiting Cincinnati’s chances to secure the potential top-10 edge defender.
Possible landing spots for Hendrickson if he departs include the Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Colts representing a reunion with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. A move elsewhere would also offer Cincinnati a chance to add a compensatory pick, mitigating some of the impact of losing their Pro Bowl pass rusher.
